The Colorado Springs GazetteThe Gazette is Colorado Springs's most trusted source for breaking news, sports, weather, obituaries, politics, business, art, entertainment, blogs, video, photos.Save this content for laterSave this content on your device for later, even while offlineSign in with GoogleSign in with your Google accountSign in with FacebookSign in with your Facebook accountClose

Broncos wrap up camp; Decker makes play of the day

The Broncos wrapped up training camp about 30 minutes ago (the final huddle, above left). I asked a few guys if it feels awesome and incredible to be finished with camp. It was like asking a newlywed how their life is different.

Next question: How long will Peyton Manning and the first-team offense/defense be on the field against the Seahawks on Saturday?

“They’ll play into the second quarter, if not the whole (first) half,” Fox said.

“The best part about training camp being over?” said tight end Julius Thomas (above right). “Probably that I get to shave.”

Play of the day: Eric Decker, take a bow.

The wideout — does he qualify as a veteran yet? — made the catch of the day, an over-the-shoulder deal from Peyton Manning. Perfect throw, perfect catch. The One Direction screeches from the gallery suggest the ladies in the house believe he’s the perfect man.

Newsworthy, II: The Broncos — no, you — set a franchise record for training camp attendance. The final tally, according to the club: 86,364. That trumped last year’s total by about 2,000 fans. Big crowds, big expectations, big sunburns.

The untrained eye saw: Or heard, rather. The Broncos piped in crowd noise through the speakers in order to simulate the crowd noise of Seattle’s 12th Man. The simulated noise mainly played during 11-on-11 drills in the “red area,” as coaches call it.

“It sucks for our offense,” said Champ Bailey, who noted the defense isn’t affected by the noise.

“Sometimes on the road, right after a play, there is a little less noise because everybody has to take a sip of their beer or eat their nachos,” Peyton Manning offered, eloquently.

What’s next: An early flight to Seattle. And an 8 p.m. kickoff Saturday night.